Purdue at Iowa: 3 and out

It’s the second year of a new rivalry between Purdue and Iowa.

The crossover divisional clash that has yet to gain any steam. It probably won’t. But that’s what we’re left with in the new Big Ten. Michigan plays Ohio State. Nebraska faces Penn State. Wisconsin takes on Minnesota. Illinois plays Northwestern. We know Iowa would prefer to play someone else.

Could be worse. Purdue’s annual game could be against Michigan State. Instead, the Hoosiers were rewarded that straw.

Although the numbers say there’s something on the line, it doesn’t feel that way. Both teams remain bowl eligible, but there’s no buzz around this game. Tickets have been sold and the BTN needs three hours of live programming so the network will have something to replay in the early morning hours. Plus, the Danny Hope watch continues.

• Useless statistical information: Purdue hasn’t won at Iowa since 1992 and is 1-11 in its last 12 trips to Iowa City. The Boilermakers haven’t played at Iowa since 2008.

• For our gambling friends: The Hawkeyes opened as a 3.5 point favorite and the line sits between 4 and 5 right now. Trust factor isn’t high with either team. Purdue is 7-1 against the spread before facing Illinois but 3-10 in November road games. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is 9-1 vs the number after three straight losses. The Boilermakers are 3-13 ATS and 1-15 straight up as an underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1993.

3 BOILERMAKERS TO WATCH

• Robert Marve. The quarterback with one healthy knee receives his second straight start. Marve hasn’t started consecutive games since 2010.

Played as long as he could against Penn State, but the hits eventually wore him out. Curious how long Marve can go against the Hawkeyes. Or will he run out of gas?

• Akeem Hunt. Gave the Boilermakers good field position on kickoff returns last week, but the offense didn’t take advantage. Has taken over the No. 1 spot in place of the injured Raheem Mostert.

Gaining valuable experience and when Mostert returns it will be interesting how opposing teams approach the pair.

• Bruce Gaston. Iowa’s offensive line is reeling and Gaston and Kawann Short have an opportunity to make some noise. Purdue has three sacks, yes three, against Big Ten teams. The defensive line is hampered by injuries, including Short’s ankle issue. If the Boilermakers don’t bring more pressure it doesn’t matter what happens in the secondary.

3 HAWKEYES TO WATCH

• James Vandenberg. Iowa’s talented quarterback must miss receiver Marvin McNutt. One year after throwing 18 touchdowns through nine games, Vandenberg has four. That’s right four.

Army, which doesn’t understand the concept of the forward pass but we appreciate the Black Knights’ service to our country, has three touchdown passes. They’ve attempted only 86 passes; Iowa 303. The Hawkeyes have nine offensive touchdowns in five Big Ten games.

• Micah Hyde. One of the nation’s top cornerbacks, Hyde surpassed the 200-career tackle mark against Michigan State and starts this week with 218. He also has seven career interceptions.

Hyde has registered a season-best five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and 11 passes defended, including nine in Big Ten play. He’s also returned 12 punts.

• Anthony Hitchens. The leader of the linebackers, Hitchens has posted double-digit tackles in six of the last eight games. He ranks fourth nationally, averaging 11.8, and obviously first in the Big Ten. Hitchens, James Morris and Christian Kirksey are similar to Wisconsin’s group of linebackers. They have a combined 141 tackles and eight tackles for loss against Big Ten teams.

3 PURDUE QUESTIONS

• Does it matter what happens these last three games regarding Hope’s future?

• If the offense scores on its first drive again, will it score again in the first half?

• Will the Boilermakers finally force a turnover?

3 IOWA QUESTIONS

• Will leading rusher Mark Weisman play after suffering an ankle injury?

• How will the Hawkeyes perform in a must-win situation, knowing Michigan and Nebraska are up next?

• Can the offensive line protect Vandenberg?

WHY PURDUE WINS

• The offensive line gives Marve time to throw, the running game produces, more pressure from the defensive front and the secondary doesn’t spend most of the day biting on double moves.

WHY IOWA WINS

• The Hawkeyes are able to protect the quarterback, win the line of scrimmage on both sides and the defense forces Purdue into a one-dimensional offense, just like most of the teams in the Big Ten. Plus, the Hayden Fry bobblehead.

WHO WINS AND WHY

Iowa 23, Purdue 15: If there was a time the Boilermakers would rally and play for their head coach, isn’t this it? They have a chance at another bowl game, but the only way to reach the postseason again is to win out. Iowa also has the same motivation, needing wins in two of its last three games to reach a bowl game. With Michigan and Nebraska up next, this is a must win. Not a lot of confidence the Boilermakers can find a rhythm offensively, especially with shaky line play. Although they’ve played well in two of their three road games, it’s shaping up as another tough afternoon for coach Hope’s team.